Classic Patty Melt [45 Minutes] (2024)

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The Classic Patty Melt is a quintessential American diner staple, offering a satisfying blend of juicy hamburger, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between slices of golden, buttery rye bread.

This dish melds the heartiness of a burger with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich, making it a beloved choice for a casual meal any time of the day. Its crispy exterior and gooey interior promise a delightful contrast in textures that has been cherished through generations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this Classic Patty Melt recipe for its nostalgic charm and irresistible flavors. Each bite combines the savory punch of seasoned beef with the sweet richness of caramelized onions and the creamy melt of Swiss cheese.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Butter Generously: Ensure the outer sides of your rye bread are generously buttered for a crisp, golden finish.
Low and Slow Onions: Cook the onions slowly on low heat to develop deep, sweet flavors without burning.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese like American or cheddar for a variety of flavors and textures.
Perfect Patties: Shape your beef patties slightly larger than your bread as they will shrink while cooking.
Press Down: Use a spatula to press down the sandwich slightly while cooking to ensure even contact with the heat and a uniform crust.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Bread Choices: Substitute rye bread with sourdough or whole wheat for a different flavor profile.
Vegan/Vegetarian: Use plant-based patties and vegan cheese for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Add Extras: Introduce pickles or tomato slices for an added tang and freshness.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a slice of pepper jack cheese or a spread of chipotle mayo for those who prefer a bit of heat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve the Classic Patty Melt fresh and hot, ideally paired with a side of crispy french fries or a light coleslaw to balance out the richness. This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of root beer or a creamy milkshake for a truly authentic diner-style experience. For a more grown-up twist, consider a robust porter or stout beer that complements the rich flavors of the melt.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the sandwich’s crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can drastically affect the texture and quality of the sandwich.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best cheese for a patty melt? Swiss cheese is traditional, but feel free to experiment with American, cheddar, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Can I use any other meat? Yes, turkey or chicken patties can be used as a lighter alternative to beef.
How do I prevent the sandwich from being too greasy? Moderate the butter and cheese to keep the richness in check without becoming greasy.

Classic Patty Melt

Yield: 4 sandwiches

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix)
8 slices rye bread
8 slices Swiss cheese
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by caramelizing the onions: In a skillet over low heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the onions, season with salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally until golden and soft.
Form the beef into 4 oval patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a separate skillet, cook the patties over medium heat until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side, layer a slice of cheese, a patty, a quarter of the onions, another slice of cheese, and finally top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
Grill the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until each side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, pressing down gently with a spatula.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.

Do not overcrowd the skillet when caramelizing the onions or grilling the sandwiches, as this can cause steaming instead of browning.

Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese has fully melted.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 769Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 184mgSodium: 632mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 50g